Immunisations

Child Immunisation

It is essential for children to be fully immunised and we advice that current recommendations should be strictly adhered to. The practice nurses hold immunisation sessions each month with the health visitors, and a doctor is available for advice as required.

Invitations to attend are sent automatically.

Shingles Vaccination

Are you eligible for Shingles Vaccination?

From September 1 2015 the shingles vaccine is routinely available to people aged 70 and 78. You become eligible for the vaccine on the first day of September 2015 after you've turned 70 or 78 and remain so until the last day of August 2016.

In addition, anyone who was eligible for immunisation in the previous two years of the programme but missed out on their vaccinations remains eligible until their 80th birthday. This includes:

people aged 71 and 72 on 1 September 2015

people aged 79

The shingles vaccine is not available on the NHS if you are aged 80 or over.

Immunisation against seasonal flu (the 'flu jab') is given every year to people at risk of developing serious complications from seasonal flu (influenza). If you have the 'flu jab' you greatly reduce your chance of getting seasonal flu. You should consider being immunised against seasonal flu if you are aged 65 or over or have certain diseases of the lung, heart, kidney, liver and nervous system. Immunisation against swine flu also began in the autumn of 2009. Priority is being given to 'at risk' groups. People who are not in the priority groups may be offered immunisation against swine flu at a later time.

For most people, seasonal flu is unpleasant but not serious and they recover within a week.

However, certain people are at greater risk of developing serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These may require hospital treatment. A large number of elderly people die from flu every winter.

The seasonal flu vaccine is offered free of charge to these at-risk groups to protect them from catching flu and developing these complications.

At-risk groups

It is recommended you have a flu jab if you:

are 65 or over,

have a serious medical condition

live in a residential or nursing home,

are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill,

are a healthcare or social care professional directly involved in patient care, or

work with poultry

If you are the parent of a child (over six months) with a long-term condition, speak to your GP about the flu jab. Your child's condition may get worse if they catch flu.

If you are the carer of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they have had their flu jab.

Pneumococcal Immunisation

Pneumococcus can cause diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. Children under two are offered the vaccine. You should consider having the vaccine if you are over 65 years or have certain diseases of the lung, heart, kidney, liver and nervous system.